In the wake of a dramatic hike in H-1B visa fees announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, Zoho Corporation founder Sridhar Vembu has issued a heartfelt appeal to Indian professionals working in America: “Come back home. Do not live in fear. Make the bold move.”
The new visa policy mandates a one-time payment of $100,000 (approx. ₹85 lakh) for each new H-1B application, sparking widespread concern across the global tech industry. With Indians comprising over 70% of H-1B visa holders, the impact has been particularly severe for the Indian diaspora, many of whom now face uncertainty regarding their future in the U.S.2
Vembu’s Message: A Call for Courage and Rebuilding
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sridhar Vembu drew a poignant parallel between the current visa crisis and the Partition of India. He recalled stories from his Sindhi friends whose families were forced to leave everything behind but eventually rebuilt their lives in India. “It may take 5 years to rebuild your lives but it will make you stronger,” Vembu wrote. “Do not live in fear. Make the bold move. You will do well.”3
Vembu, who himself left a successful career in the U.S. to build Zoho into a global SaaS powerhouse from rural Tamil Nadu, believes this moment could be a turning point for Indian talent. He emphasized that India in 2025 offers far more opportunities than it did a decade ago, with a booming digital economy, expanding capital markets, and global companies establishing R&D hubs across the country.
???? Reverse Migration and India’s Tech Renaissance
Industry experts suggest that the fee hike could trigger a wave of reverse migration, bringing skilled professionals back to India and strengthening its domestic tech and startup ecosystem. Vembu’s message resonates with many who see this as a chance to contribute to India’s growth story rather than remain in limbo abroad.
While the White House later clarified that the fee applies only to new petitions and not to renewals or current visa holders, the psychological impact of the announcement has already led to panic among Indian professionals, with reports of travelers disembarking flights fearing denial of entry.
???????? A Vision Rooted in Resilience
Sridhar Vembu’s appeal is more than a reaction to policy—it’s a vision rooted in resilience, self-reliance, and national pride. His journey from Princeton Ph.D. to rural tech visionary has inspired countless entrepreneurs. Now, he’s urging others to follow suit, not out of compulsion, but out of conviction.
As the global tech landscape shifts, Vembu’s message offers a powerful reminder: sometimes, the boldest move is returning home to build something greater.